A 1936 Bugatti has sold for at least $30,000,000 (£20m) at auction, making it the world's most expensive. It dwarfs the previous auction record, set at £15.7m for a Ferrari 250 GTO in September 2008.

The Bugatti Type 57C Atlantic was bought by the Mullin Automotive Museum in California, which means it will now be seen by thousands of enthusiasts. It had belonged to Dr Peter D Williamson, a neurologist and car collector who died in 2008.

It was sold by auctioneers Gooding and Company on behalf of Dr Williamson's family - though the actual price could be anything up to $40m.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Gooding and Company President David Gooding said the car is "one of the world's most significant and valuable automobiles."

Mr Gooding would not reveal the final sale price of the car, though a source 'close to the sale' confirmed it was between $30- and $40m, accordin

Posted May-11-2010 By

Emrys

Posted May-11-2010 By

mcdeez

What separates North Americans (US, Canada and the Mexicans too)from these European booger pickers is this car would by now have had at least a new suspension, big block engine, trick tranny and mags. Minimum 10.5 quarter. Don't need no stinkin' factory trained restoration specalists, a couple teenage hardcore gear heads will get it done.